Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Auctions ₦6.15bn Drug Assets in Lagos, Akure as NDLEA Sells Victoria Island Hotel
Estate firms acquire seized properties in major public auction; four assets withdrawn for not meeting reserve price
Estate firms acquire seized properties in major public auction; four assets withdrawn for not meeting reserve price
The Federal Government on Monday concluded the public auction of assets forfeited by convicted drug traffickers, generating over ₦6.14 billion in revenue from high-value properties in Lagos and Akure. The exercise, which took place in Abuja under the supervision of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Justice, saw a six-storey luxury hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos sold for ₦5.9 billion—the largest single asset in the auction.
According to Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi, Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit at the Ministry of Justice, a total of four major properties were successfully handed over to new corporate owners after meeting government reserve prices. These include the Victoria Island hotel acquired by Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin Estate Firm; a commercial/residential property in Lekki Phase 1 bought by FSS Limited for ₦219.5 million; a block of flats in Ejigbo secured by A-BNB Global Innovations Limited for ₦104 million; and a residential property in Akure purchased by Fazeen Global Link Limited for ₦29.36 million.
The NDLEA confirmed that all assets auctioned had been permanently confiscated following final court orders linked to high-profile narcotics cases. Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said four other properties listed for sale did not meet their minimum valuation and were therefore withdrawn from the auction floor. “Those properties will be considered for future disposal once they attract qualifying bids,” Babafemi stated during the bid announcement.
The asset disposal marks one of Nigeria’s most significant recoveries under the Proceeds of Crime Act, reflecting government efforts to deter drug trafficking through aggressive forfeiture measures. Experts say such auctions not only raise funds for public use but also send a message that crime will not pay. The Ministry of Justice assured that proceeds would be remitted into federal coffers for development projects.
With this round concluded, stakeholders expect more asset auctions as court-ordered forfeitures increase amid ongoing anti-narcotics operations nationwide.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ndlea-forfeited-properties-auction-lagos-2026061711284118086
Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Recover 3,403 Rounds of Ammunition in Borno, Rescue 391 Kidnap Victims Across Nigeria
Military recovers over ₦2 million suspected ransom, destroys illegal refining sites in Niger Delta during June operations
Military recovers over ₦2 million suspected ransom, destroys illegal refining sites in Niger Delta during June operations
Troops operating across multiple theatres in Nigeria have intensified offensive actions against terrorists and criminal gangs, recovering more than 3,403 rounds of ammunition and rescuing 391 kidnap victims between June 4 and June 12, 2026. The operations took place in Borno State’s Gwoza Local Government Area and other hotspots nationwide, according to a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
During these operations, troops also seized assorted weapons and 15 motorcycles believed to have been used by armed groups. Security forces further recovered over ₦2 million suspected to be ransom payments from kidnappers and terrorists, along with 10,000 CFA francs. In addition to the arms haul, more than 5,000 litres of stolen petroleum products—including crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)—were confiscated as troops destroyed several illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.
The military’s recent push comes amid ongoing insecurity in various parts of the country. Analysts say the scale of arms recovered highlights the persistent threat posed by armed groups in North-East and other regions. The rescue of hundreds of kidnap victims underscores both the scope of recent abductions and efforts to counter them.
Major General Onoja described these achievements as evidence of “sustained professionalism, resilience and commitment” on the part of Nigerian troops despite tough operational conditions. He disclosed that on June 5, soldiers carried out a clearance operation in Amuda area of Gwoza LGA, Borno State, where an eight-year-old boy named Ali Musa was found after escaping a terrorist enclave in Saha. Further rescue missions on June 6 saw three women and children freed after military bombardments forced terrorists to flee their hideouts.
While no opposition or independent sources have yet commented on the latest operations, security observers say continued military pressure is crucial for reclaiming territory and reducing incidents of mass abduction. The defence headquarters maintained that operations would continue nationwide until all criminal elements are subdued.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Judy Austin Defends Yul Edochie in Enugu, Insists Relationship Began After Divorce
Actress challenges ex-husband Emmanuel Obasi to present evidence in court as online debate intensifies
Actress challenges ex-husband Emmanuel Obasi to present evidence in court as online debate intensifies
Actress Judy Austin has broken her silence in Enugu following recent allegations by her former husband, Emmanuel Obasi, stating on Monday that her relationship with Nollywood actor Yul Edochie only began three years after her previous marriage ended. The statement comes after Obasi accused Austin of infidelity and denying him access to their children during an appearance on the Honest Bunch podcast released on June 15.
Obasi alleged on the podcast that Austin started a relationship with Edochie while still living under his roof and has since blocked him from seeing their two children. The interview triggered widespread social media criticism against both Judy Austin and Yul Edochie, reigniting public scrutiny of their union and family life.
Responding in a video message circulated online, Austin dismissed Obasi’s claims as false and described the attacks on Edochie as unwarranted. She said, “I met him three years after my marriage ended and that is not a crime,” urging Nigerians to stop directing insults at Edochie over the issue. Austin also credited Edochie for stepping in to support her children when she said their biological father failed to do so, claiming he paid school fees and provided accommodation for them.
Austin further challenged Obasi to back up his accusations with documentary evidence before a competent court. According to her, “He doesn’t want to go to court because he doesn’t want to pay or foot the responsibilities of being a father.” She accused Obasi of shifting narratives in public statements and maintained that any dispute over child custody should be resolved legally.
Closing her remarks, Austin stated, “As for Emmanuel Chukwuobasi, we will meet where we are supposed to meet and the law will grant justice to who deserves it.” As at press time, neither Obasi nor Yul Edochie had issued additional public comments regarding the controversy.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/judy-austin-responds-ex-husband-yul-edochie-claims-2026061713023873737
Nigeria News (Standard)
Cross River Government Bans Illegal Sale of Forest Reserve Lands, Warns Communities and Individuals
Forestry Commission says all transactions within forest reserves are void as state tightens enforcement to protect biodiversity
Forestry Commission says all transactions within forest reserves are void as state tightens enforcement to protect biodiversity
The Cross River State Government has declared all unauthorised sale, allocation, lease or transfer of lands within the state’s forest reserves as illegal and void, warning that ownership and control of these lands remain exclusively with the state. The announcement was made in Calabar on Tuesday by Rt. Hon. George O’Ben-Etchi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, amid growing concern over rising cases of illegal land transactions in protected areas.
O’Ben-Etchi stated that several communities, individuals and groups have recently engaged in unlawful dealings involving portions of the forest reserves spread across Cross River State (South-South), a practice which he described as dangerous to ongoing conservation efforts. He emphasised that under current laws, only government is empowered to manage and allocate forest reserve lands, making any private transfer or sale unlawful.
This move comes at a time when Nigeria’s forest resources face increasing pressure from illegal logging, encroachment and unregulated development. Cross River is home to some of the country’s largest remaining tropical forests, which play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. The government’s stance is intended to safeguard these assets for future generations and support sustainable management goals.
“The government strongly condemns this unlawful practice, as it threatens the integrity of protected forest areas and undermines ongoing efforts to conserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainable management of the state’s forest resources,” O’Ben-Etchi said during a press briefing. He directed all communities, traditional institutions, individuals and groups engaged in such activities to desist immediately or risk facing legal consequences under existing forestry laws.
As at press time, no formal opposition response had been issued regarding the ban. The Forestry Commission is expected to increase monitoring across affected areas and collaborate with security agencies to enforce compliance. Stakeholders have been advised to seek clarification from relevant authorities before engaging in any transaction involving lands situated within designated forest reserves.
Troops Recover 3,403 Rounds of Ammunition in Borno, Rescue 391 Kidnap Victims Across Nigeria
Judy Austin Defends Yul Edochie in Enugu, Insists Relationship Began After Divorce
Cross River Government Bans Illegal Sale of Forest Reserve Lands, Warns Communities and Individuals
Nollywood Actress Nkechi Blessing Declares No Envy for Married Couples in Lagos Post
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